What we eat and how we produce it profoundly impacts the environment.
- Food production accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
- 70% of freshwater and half of the world’s habitable land are dedicated to farming.
- Shockingly, 20% of food grown never reaches our plates.
Beyond environmental costs, poor diets are linked to nine of the top fifteen risk factors for ill health.
How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Food
1. Eat More Plants
Why it matters:
Meat, especially beef, lamb, and prawns, has a high carbon footprint. It harms the environment through waste pollution and deforestation for animal feed.
What you can do:
- Try a meatless day each week.
- Borrow a vegetarian cookbook or try this Sri Lankan Curry recipe.
- Reduce meat portions by adding lentils, roasted veggies or tofu which are more sustainable and healthier.
- Swap dairy milk for plant-based alternatives e.g. oat or soy
Tool: Compare the greenhouse gas impact of your meals – BBC Climate Change Food Calculator
2. Choose Seasonal Food
Why it matters:
Did you know that out of the 6,000 plant species people have eaten over time, 75% of our calories come from just nine crops! Eating seasonal food cuts emissions, boosts biodiversity, and supports local economies.
What you can do:
- Visit local farmer’s markets (Dorking Markets).
- Learn about seasonal produce (National Trust Guide).
- Explore seasonal recipes from Riverford Organics.
3. Cut Down on Food Waste
Why it matters:
Did you know that ¼ of the calories the world produces are thrown away?
Food waste makes up 10% of global GHG emissions, costing a family of four £1,000 annually in uneaten food (WRAP).
What you can do:
- Plan meals and make shopping lists.
- Repurpose leftovers (Love Food Hate Waste).
- Try batch cooking (The Batch Lady).
- Join a veg box scheme like Odd Box.
- Compost food waste (Learn More).
- Save surplus food with Mid Surrey Community Fridge or Too Good To Go.
4. Reduce Food and Drink Packaging
Why it matters:
While packaging can keep food fresh, it’s often unnecessary. Items like coffee cups, water bottles, and packaging for fresh produce contribute to waste.
What you can do:
- Buy loose produce and whole foods.
- Bring reusable bags, containers, and bottles (Refill Scheme).
- Opt for compostable or recyclable packaging.
- Bring your own Booze or coffee cup for free refills and discounts in some shops.
5. Support Sustainable Farming
Why it matters:
Organic and regenerative farms avoid harmful chemicals, support biodiversity while prioritising animal welfare and regenerative agriculture enhances soil health.
What you can do:
- Look for organic labels e.g. Soil Association Organic
- Support brands promoting regenerative farming.
- Join an organic veg delivery scheme.
6. Grow Your Own Food
Why it matters:
Growing your own food reduces shopping trips, cuts packaging, supports biodiversity, and boosts well-being.
What you can do:
- Start a small herb garden or grow simple veggies like tomatoes or lettuce.
- Apply for an allotment.
- Avoid peat, plastic tools, and pesticides for eco-friendly gardening.
How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Food
1. Eat More Plants
Why it matters:
Meat, especially beef, lamb, and prawns, has a high carbon footprint high carbon and harms the environment through waste pollution and deforestation for animal feed.
What you can do:
- Try a meatless day each week.
- Borrow a vegetarian cookbook or try this Sri Lankan Curry recipe.
- Reduce meat portions by adding lentils, roasted veggies or tofu which are more sustainable and healthier.
- Swap dairy milk for plant-based alternatives e.g. oat or soy
Tool: Compare the greenhouse gas impact of your meals – BBC Climate Change Food Calculator
2. Choose Seasonal Food
Why it matters:
Did you know that out of the 6,000 plant species people have eaten over time, 75% of our calories come from just nine crops! Eating seasonal food cuts emissions, boosts biodiversity, and supports local economies.
What you can do:
- Visit local farmer’s markets (Dorking Markets).
- Learn about seasonal produce (National Trust Guide).
- Explore seasonal recipes from Riverford Organics.
3. Cut Down on Food Waste
Why it matters:
Did you know that ¼ of the calories the world produces are thrown away?
Food waste makes up 10% of global GHG emissions, costing a family of four £1,000 annually in uneaten food (WRAP).
What you can do:
- Plan meals and make shopping lists.
- Repurpose leftovers (Love Food Hate Waste).
- Try batch cooking (The Batch Lady).
- Join a veg box scheme like Odd Box.
- Compost food waste (Learn More).
- Save surplus food with Mid Surrey Community Fridge or Too Good To Go.
4. Reduce Food and Drink Packaging
Why it matters:
While packaging can keep food fresh, it’s often unnecessary. Items like coffee cups, water bottles, and packaging for fresh produce contribute to waste.
What you can do:
- Buy loose produce and whole foods.
- Bring reusable bags, containers, and bottles (Refill Scheme).
- Opt for compostable or recyclable packaging.
- Bring your own Booze or coffee cup for free refills and discounts in some shops.
5. Support Sustainable Farming
Why it matters:
Organic and regenerative farms avoid harmful chemicals, support biodiversity while prioritising animal welfare and regenerative agriculture enhances soil health.
What you can do:
- Look for organic labels e.g. Soil Association Organic
- Support brands promoting regenerative farming.
- Join an organic veg delivery scheme.
6. Grow Your Own Food
Why it matters:
Growing your own food reduces shopping trips, cuts packaging, supports biodiversity, and boosts well-being.
What you can do:
- Start a small herb garden or grow simple veggies like tomatoes or lettuce.
- Apply for an allotment.
- Avoid peat, plastic tools, and pesticides for eco-friendly gardening.
